The small village consisted of many huts all circled around one large, central hut. Children played in a small pond to the north, and two mountainous caverns to the West and the North.

  Heavy silence weighed on the party, nobody felt it was their place to speak. With Aden being unconscious, Barb took charge and ventured towards the small village.

  “C’mere kid.” Le’Hennessy wrapped his arm around Stevie, the thoughts in his head so loud the group could hear them.

  Within a few minutes, they had entered the village. Villagers instantly noticed them and ducked into their huts. Before the party could register what was happening, the village was a ghost town.

  Frantic whispers circled the party. Getting louder and louder as they reached the center of the village.

  “Hey there!” An announcing, boastful voice cut through.

  They turned to see a hulk of a man covered in tribal tattoos. His buzz cut ginger hair and emerald green eyes glistened in the sunlight.

  “H-hello, sir.” Wilhelm stuttered, clearly intimidated by the hulkish man. “Who are you? Do you know where w-“

  The man proudly chuckled, interrupting Wilhelm. “The name’s Sun Walker! I’m the Vice-Chief and you’re in my village, the Solar Village!”

  Seeing Wilhelm lose control of the situation, Talon interjected, “We don’t want any trouble. Just point us to the exit and we’ll leave.”

  Sun Walker chuckled again, “That’s the thing. There is none!”

  The party darted skeptical glances at one another.

  Talon rolled his eyes, “What about those caves?” gesturing towards the caverns.

  “Maybe. Let’s go ask my father.” He replied, rubbing his chin. Without checking to see if the group complied, he began to walk towards the central hut.

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  At this moment, Aden’s eyes began to flutter open. He looked around and put it together that this is where the portal must’ve taken them.

  He nudged Wilhelm, “What is happening?” He whispered to the young wizard.

  “Let’s just follow this big guy and I’ll explain everything.” He replied.

  The group followed behind the large man while Wilhelm explained the situation to Aden until they arrived at the central hut. It was almost the size of five huts put together. Two guards covered in tribal tattoos guarded the front door. Upon seeing the group they tightened the grip on their spears.

  “Halt!” The one on the left commanded.

  “Sun Walker, who are these outsiders?” The one on the right questioned.

  Sun Walker inhaled, puffing up his chest. “They’re here to see my father. Let us through.”

  They both immediately stood down. “Yes sir.” They said in unison.

  Inside the tent was steaming, a wrinkly old man with a gigantic gray beard sat on a cushion, pouring water on the hot coals in front of him. A large opening in the roof allowed the sun to shine upon him.

  Once he saw the group, he practically leaped from his cushion. He began feeling their clothes, smelling them, and inspecting them in awe all while muttering, “Outsiders.”

  He quickly realized what he was doing and looked at the group with a smile, “Forgive me travelers, it has been decades since I’ve seen the outside world. I am Star Gazer, the village chief. How can I help you?”

  Talon stepped forward, “Listen chief, we just want to get out of here.”

  “There is only one way out. Through the Redrock Mountain passage on the west of the village.” Star Gazer instructed.

  Talon smirked and turned to leave, “Thanks, see ya!” He chuckled.

  Before he could take a step, Sun Walker’s arm blocked his path. “He’s not finished yet!” The hulkish man shouted.

  Talon went pale, “A-a-as you were saying chief?”

  The chief nodded, “But, many many years ago I casted a barrier spell on the cave’s exit. To keep the outside world at bay.”

  “Sir!” Wilhelm interjected, “Is there any way you can let us through?”

  “Yes, my boy. My brother, Little Dreamer, ran away from this village a few years ago. After a falling out between us, he disappeared into the northern cave. I would’ve went myself or sent Sun Walker. But the cave is unexplored and could be dangerous.” The chief explained.

  Aden pushed his way to the front, “Okay, we’ll take care of it. If you open the barrier afterwards.”

  “Deal.” The chief smiled as bright as the sun he worshiped.

  Le’Hennessy pulled on Aden’s sleeve, “Oi, me and the kid are gonna sit this one out. He’s pretty shaken up.”

  Le’Hennessy and Stevie stayed back with the chief while Aden, Barb, Wilhelm, Talon, and Sun Walker entered the northern cavern. The group instantly began sweating profusely, it was almost as hot as if the group was standing over a fire.

  I’m loving the way this series is going so far. Like always, thank you for reading!